The Simbang Gabi

The nine-day dawn masses before Christmas or the simbang gabi as we Filipinos call it has began. This is a religious tradition that is typically Filipino that goes back centuries of observance.

The pre-dawn masses are usually celebrated at 4:30 although in some parishes the time varies. Some have it as early as 4 am to accommodate a second mass after it. Many parishes have also introduced an anticipated simbang gabi in the evening to accommodate those who cannot attend the dawn mass for one reason or another.

Back in my younger years, I remember simbang gabi was something to look forward to, for various reasons. Of course, there was the religious side of it, of preparing ourselves spiritually to celebrate Christmas meaningfully. But then, we were also very much taken by other interests as well. In groups, we enjoyed the trek to the Church braving the chilly breeze of the early morning air. Since it was a good 30-minute walk from our barrio to the town, it took us a while to reach the Church. By the time we got there all seats would have been taken. We would be standing the entire mass of one hour and a half.

In those days, simbang gabi would not have been complete without the puto bumbong and puto bibingka. These two plus a steaming cup of salabat tea or coffee were part and parcel of our celebration of the simbang gabi then.

It has been many years since I left home. I do not know now if they still have these puto bumbong and bibingka stalls outside the Church.

But one thing I am sure is that the Church would still be full with mass goers – a testament to the religiosity of the Filipinos.